Reek Sunday

Reek climbers urged to come fully prepared

Emer Gallagher

AN estimated 20,000 people will climb Croagh Patrick this weekend for the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage – and all intending climbers are being warned to come prepared.
The Mayo Mountain Rescue team have asked all climbers to wear adequate clothing and footwear and to carry sufficient water and energy snacks. Reek Sunday is the busiest weekend for the volunteer force, who have been training twice a month in mountain rescue skills to ensure the pilgrimage runs as smoothly and safely as possible. Along with the Mayo Mountain Rescue Team, the Civil Defence and the Order of Malta will be based on the mountain for the day.
“The key to proper dressing is to ensure multiple layers, which can be added or removed as the progress dictates. Any footwear which is designed for moderate hill-walking activities and which provide good ankle support are probably the best choice; failing that, a good pair of runners should get you through safely,” said Peter Jordan of Mayo Mountain Rescue.
“As a minimum, it is recommended that pilgrims bring a bottle of water and some small amount of food with them onto the mountain. Chocolate bars, energy bars or sweets are good for upping blood sugar levels and restoring energy,” added Mr Jordan.
Members of rescue teams from all over the country will be working in collaboration with Mayo Mountain Rescue, and the Order of Malta expect to have in excess of 150 personnel strategically placed on the route to assist, should an emergency arise.
The prevailing wet conditions of the last month have seen considerable erosion on the mountain and therefore many of the path sections are more challenging and dangerous than previous years. Landslides have made some sections particularly difficult to navigate.
“The temperature at the summit of Croagh Patrick with precipitation and wind chill factor taken into account can be as much as five to ten degrees cooler than at the base. In addition, conditions on the summit can change rapidly from warm sunshine to chilling rain or blanket mist and cloud cover. From the prevailing weather conditions for July this year it is to be expected that the weather will be wet and relatively chilly at the summit.
“Weather conditions on Croagh Patrick are likely to change quite rapidly and Mayo Mountain Rescue have issued an appeal for all climbers to bear this in mind before setting out,” said Peter Jordan of Mayo Mountain Rescue.
All pilgrims are also asked to remember that the mountain is a holy place of pilgrimage warranting respect.